Ann Louise Gilligan held onto life to see her beloved wife Katherine Zappone reappointed to Cabinet, her funeral heard this morning.

Dr Gilligan passed away on Wednesday after a short illness, just hours after it was confirmed that Ms Zappone would resume her role as Minister for Children.

The couple, who wed in Canada in 1981, fought in the European Courts to have their marriage recognised in Ireland, and were the driving force behind the marriage equality campaign.

In a tearful eulogy at the Helix in DCU, where Dr Gilligan had taught for many years, Ms Zappone spoke of her partner’s “immensely generous and abundant heart.”

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone with family and friends pictured at the funeral of her wife, Ann Louise Gilligan at , at the Helix DCU (Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)

Commenting on their final days together, Ms Zappone said: “Over the past 87 days of her recent illness, everyday I would gaze at those green eyes.

“And no matter how much she was struggling with responding to what was going on her brain, I could connect with her beautiful mind through those green eyes.”

Co-chair of the marriage equality campaign Denise Charlton paid tribute to the immense impact Dr Gilligan had on the movement.

She said: “Personal stories were attributed as key in the positive outcome in the marriage referendum.

“Ann Louise and Katherine showed incredible courage when they put their love and relationship before the courts, the political system and the public.”

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone with family and friends pictured at the funeral of her wife, Ann Louise Gilligan (Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)

She added: “Ann Louise and Katherine insisted on marriage equality.

“They persuaded the country that not only could we get it, but we should get it, we must get it, for ourselves and for others.

“The softly spoken crusader, who was such a formidable force and so uncompromising in her vision of equality.

“In that great conviction, she strengthened our conviction and our resolve in marriage equality.”

Past students from An Cosán, an organisation Dr Gilligan founded in Jobstown, Tallaght, which offers adult education and other services to women from disadvantaged areas, paid tribute to her life changing influence as an educator.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, along with several Ministers, TDs and Senators turned out to pay their condolences.

Ann Louise was laid to rest at the Manor Kilbride cemetery in Co Wicklow.